Episode 78 of “Sanatın Evrimi” (The Evolution of Art), prepared in collaboration with Evrim Art Gallery, Turkey News Portal, and Mikado Communication, featured artist and educator Ender Dandul as the guest of host Günsu Saraçoğlu. In a sincere conversation, he shared his artistic journey spanning over 40 years, his experiences as an educator, and his profound perspective on art.

Inherited Teaching Legacy and First Steps into Art

Ender Dandul spoke about the sense of responsibility instilled in him by being the child of parents who were teachers from the Village Institutes. He emphasized that while his family was initially cautious about his artistic journey, his mother’s words, “Do what you love,” became his guiding principle. He stated that he later learned of his father’s interest in art and expressed that he continues the family’s mission of education.

Academy Years: Design, Textiles, and Discipline

Dandul described his years at the Istanbul State Fine Arts Academy (now Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University) as “years he remembers with longing.” He explained how the education he began in the textile department nourished his understanding of color, texture, and pattern. He emphasized that the training he received from academics such as Edip Hakkı Köseoğlu, Nurullah Berk, and Sabri Berkel formed the foundation of his art.

Teaching and the “Broken Glass” Metaphor

Speaking about his teaching experiences at the university, Dandul underlined the saying, “The artist’s path is paved with broken glass.” He touched upon the difficulties of being an artist, the struggle with the system, and the importance of standing one’s ground. He noted that he guides his students not only technically but also on their journey of originality and personal discovery.

Children’s Books and Illustration: Innocence and Simplicity

Mentioning his time in the publishing industry, Dandul said he gave a special place to children’s book illustrations, expressing that this process inspired him in terms of simplicity and plainness. He stated that his sense of responsibility towards children and the emotional bond he established with them is reflected in his works.

Line, Color, and Inner Quest in Painting

Viewing line as the foundation of painting, Dandul stated that his color palette changes according to his internal rhythm. He gave examples of how he is influenced by the cycles of nature and the colors of an orange tree. He said he does not use sketches while painting, but rather the dialogue he establishes with the canvas guides him. He expressed that the mythological and traditional traces in his works emerge through an internal flow, rather than being a conscious choice.

Music and the Rhythm of Art

Dandul mentioned that he is deeply affected when viewers say they feel the “music” in his paintings, and also revealed that he plays bass guitar in a music group in Foça. He emphasized the connection between music and the rhythm and balance in painting.

Views on Digital Art and Artificial Intelligence

Also touching upon the current place of digital art and artificial intelligence, Dandul stated, “Painting should be more about being visible than being discussed,” expressing that no technology can replace the artist’s soul and manual labor. However, he added that it is also important to follow these developments.

Retrospective Exhibition and the Artist’s Legacy

Speaking about his retrospective exhibition at Cadde Bostan Cultural Center in 2022, Dandul stated that at this event, which was his 37th personal exhibition, he had the opportunity to exhibit nearly 80 paintings and over 20 sculptures. He expressed that the works and memories artists leave behind make them immortal.